Equitable Cities LLC

Meet Reba Oduro| We’re excited to welcome Reba to Equitable Cities as a Senior Transportation Planner! Reba brings extensive expertise in transportation planning, construction management, and project oversight. With degrees in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University and years at NJDOT managing safety and access projects, she’s deeply committed to creating equitable and inclusive transportation networks. Her groundbreaking thesis on reducing transportation inequity with shared automated vehicles exemplifies her innovative approach. Reba is bringing her expertise to?the Orlando Cross Project and the Thriving Communities Project (Detroit, Michigan and Dayton, Ohio). Join us in welcoming her to the team! #TransportationPlanning #UrbanMobility #EquitableCities Reba O.

A recent article from Planetizen explores how housing policy and urban planning have shaped regional growth and exacerbated housing challenges. It highlights the historical roots of zoning and land-use policies prioritizing exclusivity and sprawl, contributing to inequity, affordability crises, and environmental issues. Planners are called to actively reshape these systems by advocating for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable policies. Housing policy plays a pivotal role in shaping regional growth. Historical zoning practices have left many communities grappling with affordability, accessibility, and environmental impacts. At Equitable Cities, we’re addressing these challenges head-on. Through technical assistance and equitable urban planning strategies, we collaborate with agencies to tackle systemic barriers, foster inclusive growth, and create pathways to sustainable housing solutions. Join us in reshaping the future of housing equity. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ePsXZSQB #UrbanPlanning #HousingEquity #SustainableGrowth

Last month, we had the honor of co-leading a trust-building workshop at Smart Growth America's Community Connectors convening in DC. Leaders from 15 communities shared strategies to strengthen community bonds while facing issues like displacement and divisive infrastructure. Team members Sam Kling, Nellie Graham, and Charles T. Brown, MPA, CPD explained the importance of trust in projects and introduced a framework of four trust types—contractual, communication, competency, and caring—to ensure that projects move at the “speed of trust.” Read more on SGA’s insights:?https://lnkd.in/eU6fXwi9

We are all so energized after an amazing two days in #DC! Special thanks to our funder RWJF and our partners: Smart Growth America, New Urban Mobility Alliance - NUMO and America Walks for delivering another successful Community Connectors convening with 14-15 communities from around the country. My colleagues Sam Kling and Nellie Graham Graham did a fantastic job planning and facilitating with me, a workshop on #trust! Equitable Cities LLC

Check out these incredible aerial shots showcasing the transformative impact of the Lansdowne Traffic Calming Project from 2607 Salem Turnpike NW, to the corner of 24th St NW, Roanoke, VA! From traffic to a pedestrian-friendly area, this project enhances safety and ensures easier access to Melrose Plaza, Horton Park, and Roanoke EnVision Center resources for Lansdowne residents through the existing greenway path. #CommunityRevitalization #StreetDesign #CommunityEngagement #StreetTransformation

#ProjectHighlight | Exciting news from the Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI)! The Lansdowne Traffic Calming Project marks a significant milestone for the Roanoke, Virginia community. This initiative was designed by Lead Artist Dr. Simone Paterson and the wonderful Lansdowne community! Thanks to the collaborative efforts and input from local residents, our sidewalks have been transformed into stunning art spaces that enhance walkability and safety for everyone. This project not only beautifies our community but also ensures easier access to the vital resources at Melrose Plaza, connected by the existing greenway path. This incredible project was made possible through the support and contributions from the Virginia Walkability Action Institute, Roanoke City Health Department, City of Roanoke Department of Transportation, Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission, EnVision Center (City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority ) Roanoke Arts Commission, and Carilion Clinic. We've been able to turn vision into reality. This collaborative effort not only creates a visual spectacle but also serves as a testament to the power of community-driven projects. By prioritizing pedestrian safety and fostering a sense of belonging, it is paving the way for a safer Lansdowne and the greater Northwest Roanoke city area. #CommunityArt #Walkability #Virginia Virginia Department of Health

I would like to thank the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for inviting me as a featured speaker and workshop facilitator during their Healthy Eating Active Living (H.E.A.L.) conference early this week in Des Moines, Iowa. I enjoyed our conversations regarding understanding the impact of #healthequity in our work and social determinants impact on #nutrition and #physicalactivity. Equitable Cities LLC

Micromobility Shift in Urban Policy: Madrid’s E-Scooter Ban Joins Paris in Resetting Mobility Options Madrid has decided to ban e-scooter rentals starting next month due to permit violations by operators Lime, Dott, and Tier. This move echoes Paris’s recent e-scooter rental ban, as both cities confront challenges related to accessibility, safety, and compliance in the micromobility landscape. Question: How should cities balance the need for innovative transportation solutions with public safety and compliance standards? Could policies be improved, or should micromobility companies adapt more responsibly? Article here: https://lnkd.in/g3xXst8w #EquitableCities #UrbanMobility #SustainableCities #Micromobility

We had the privilege of conducting a Walk Audit during our site visit in Atlantic Beach, SC, as part of the Thriving Communities Program. Using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit Worksheets as our guide, we collected valuable data to support future funding opportunities and improve the community’s walkability. The Walk Audit was an opportunity to engage with SCDOT, Horry County Officials, the Town Manager, and other local leaders to discuss ways to make Atlantic Beach more livable and pedestrian-friendly for people of all ages. Our goal is to help ensure the community’s streets and public spaces are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone—whether they’re walking, biking, or using mobility aids. This audit is a significant step toward shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for Atlantic Beach, and we’re excited about the impact it will have in securing resources and improving the built environment. #WalkAudit #AtlanticBeachSC #LivableCommunities #EquitableCities #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment #PedestrianSafety

Incredible Day One for Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors D.C. convening. 15 inspiring communities leveraging the present infrastructure moment to reimagine legacy transportation assets in ways that center equity and repair harm. This is pathbreaking work, in a system designed to do the exact opposite, and yet they are progressing. RWJF is proud to support their efforts. Shout out to Transportation For America, New Urban Mobility Alliance - NUMO, Equitable Cities LLC, and America Walks for their stewardship of this community of practice.